Who Should I Start? Michael Penix Jr. or Caleb Williams

Wednesday, November 26, 1:06 PM

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said on Wednesday that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) had successful surgery on his knee on Tuesday, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Penix had full reconstructive surgery to fix a partially torn ACL in his left knee, which will keep him out for the rest of this season and possibly for the start of the 2026 season next fall. The 25-year-old second-year signal-caller is facing a nine-month recovery, which will force Atlanta to rethink its long-term plan at the QB position this offseason. This is Penix's third ACL reconstruction in his career after he had two knee surgeries in college. Kirk Cousins will start the rest of the year under center for the Falcons, but depending on how he finishes the season, the Falcons could opt out of the final two seasons of his four-year deal.

Friday, December 19, 9:47 PM

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams enters Week 16 with a lot on the line as they face division rival Green Bay Packers. Williams is in the midst of a breakout season, throwing for 3,150 yards, adding 21 touchdowns, and throwing six interceptions in 14 games. The 2024 first overall pick has averaged 18.7 fantasy points per game, ranking him QB9 on a per-game basis. This Packers defense has been strong all year, allowing the tenth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Injuries will factor for both sides as well, with the Bears down two key receivers in Rome Odunze (foot) and Luther Burden III (ankle), while the Packers are without star Micah Parsons, who tore his ACL last week. Once again, volume will be the question surrounding Williams' fantasy stock this weekend, as he provides QB2 value against the Packers.